The United Nations, UN, has raised the alarm over the possibility of an outbreak of Cholera disease at emergency Internally Displaced Person, IDP camps in Maduguri. This is following the heavy flooding of the city recently.
This was contained in a report released by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). It stated that the immediate needs of the displaced people are food, protection, shelter and clean water. It warned that some water sources are contaminated, and could lead to outbreaks of diseases such as Cholera.
The UN wrote, “The immediate needs are food, shelter and clean water, with some water sources contaminated. Protection remains a major concern. Especially among unaccompanied and separated children, older persons and people living with disabilities.
“Intermediate needs include non-food items and interventions to prevent the outbreak of diseases such as cholera in congested sites. The floods have also affected nutrition stabilization centres treating severely malnourished children in MMC and Jere LGAs.
“Beyond MMC and Jere LGAs in Borno State, the Dalwa community in Damboa LGA is also affected. With Bama and Gwoza LGAs similarly reporting flooding. Before the recent flash floods, almost 123,000 people in Borno State were affected by floods and windstorms since August. The floods have destroyed critical infrastructure and heightened the risk of disease outbreaks especially in overcrowded IDP camps.
“Some of the flood-affected areas in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) States are facing a food and nutrition crisis. Affecting 4.8 million people and putting the lives of 230,000 children at risk through severe acute malnutrition,” the report said.
In Maiduguri, the most affected areas by the flooding are Gwange, Bama Road, Maiduguri Zoo, Post office and State Secretariat. Others are Lagos Street, Shehu’s Palace, the Maiduguri Main Market, Customs/Gamboru areas, Budum, Specialist Hospital and Post Office.
According to reports, the State Lowcost area is currently on high alert. Shikari general area is also flooded, with people relocating along Muna Road.
The UN also said two of its guesthouses are inaccessible due to flooding.
In a related development, Adamawa and Yobe States, have been reported to be affected by flooding. This is even as over 12,500 and 46,600 people, respectively, are affected by flooding.
“In Adamawa, there are fears of more severe flood impact. This is coming with early reports from Cameroon indicating that there may be a release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam. Which has also sustained damage due to heavy rains.
“So far, no official notification has been received from the Cameroonian authorities. These flash floods are occurring against a backdrop of nationwide floods in Nigeria. Which have so far claimed more than 200 lives and affected more than 800,000 people across 29 States.” This is according to data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
“Borno State has recorded the highest number of affected and displaced people caused by flood, as of 9 September.
Other States mostly affected by the floods across the country include Bauchi, Bayelsa, and Enugu. Others are Jigawa, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
source: Channels TV
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